London First selects Inga Beale for board | Insurance Business

Dame Inga Beale (pictured), the first and only woman to serve as chief executive at the world’s specialist insurance market Lloyd’s of London, has been tapped for a new role.

Effective immediately, Beale is joining the board of London First. The 25-year-old campaign group convenes and mobilises business leaders to take on the key challenges faced by the UK capital.

“London First has a critical role to play in campaigning on the issues that make the capital the best place for business to invest, and for Londoners to live and work – whether that’s keeping us open to global talent or pushing for more housing, and better transport links,” noted the former Lloyd’s CEO.

“London is one of the most exciting places in the world to be right now, and I am looking forward to representing the rich diversity of the city’s business community – from financial services to the latest tech and digital start-ups.”

Board members of London First include the likes of Deloitte UK chief executive David Sproul and Virgin Group chair Peter Norris.

“Dame Inga is a passionate champion of our city and a strong advocate of diversity and inclusion,” commented London First chair Paul Drechsler CBE. “With a wealth of experience in the financial and insurance markets, Dame Inga will be a fantastic asset to our board.

“Against a backdrop of political and economic uncertainty, Dame Inga’s experience and insight will help us to ensure businesses in our capital continue to thrive and deliver growth for the whole of the UK.”

Also a member of the London Mayor’s business advisory board and Patron of Insuring Women’s Futures, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) on December 30, 2016 for her services to the economy.